Hero officer shoots ex-student who fired shots at Illinois high school

On Wednesday, a former student at an Illinois high school “fired several shots” near the gymnasium where a graduation rehearsal was taking place, but a school resource officer was able to intervene and apprehend the suspect.

Mark Dallas, a 15-year department veteran who has been employed at Dixon High School for five years, heard several shots fired around 8 a.m. and immediately responded, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The officer then confronted the 19-year-old suspect, Matthew Milby, who fled the scene. Dallas pursued the suspect, who fired several shots, none of which hit him.

Dallas then returned fire, shooting the suspect and then arresting him off school grounds, Police Chief Steven Howell said.

Dallas is being deemed a hero for his bravery.

Vice President Mike Pence tweeted: “Another example of the brave work performed by law enforcement each and every day. Lives were saved thanks to the heroic actions of school resource officer Mark Dallas.”

Another example of the brave work performed by law enforcement each and every day. Lives were saved thanks to the heroic actions of school resource officer Mark Dallas. #PoliceWeekhttps://t.co/RNPuJTX6sF

And Dixon Mayor Liandro Arellano Jr. said: “From the angle I’m looking at right now, a lot of things went right today when a great many of them could have (gone) wrong. Things could have gone much worse.”

Milby was taken to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and is under 24-hour police watch. Charges have since been filed against him.

“My son has been very, very sad for a long time,” the suspect’s mother told a local news station. She added that her son was bullied and ostracized at school, and was beaten up in October.

Milby has been charged with felony aggravated discharge of a weapon; his bond is set at $2 million.

As an investigation is active, additional charges could be added, according to Illinois State Police.